Apparatus and Method for Treating Foot Tissue

ABSTRACT

A footwear apparatus for treating skin of a human foot may include a sole section configured for placement against a sole of a foot of a user during use; a heel section coupled with the sole section and configured for placement against the heel of the foot of the user during use; a reservoir configured for storing a material for use in treating skin of a human foot; and an abrasive surface coupled with the heel section and configured to debride skin of the heel of the user during use.

BACKGROUND

Many people experience painful skin fissures on the skin of their feet, particularly the skin of the heel and forefoot of their feet. Skin fissures are essentially cracks in the calloused skin of a person's foot. This can be caused by excessive pressure and shearing applied to the foot when wearing shoes that have no surrounding constraint such as clogs or sandals. Fissures can result in infection of the skin.

Heavy people are particularly affected by this condition as they often have difficulty putting on shoes with back heel surfaces since it is difficult for them to reach their feet. As a result, they often wear backless footwear such as clogs or sandals. The combination of excess weight and the lack of a constraining surface around their heel results in shearing causing the foot tissue to proliferate on the skin surrounding the heel of the foot. The repetitive stress on this skin can result in breakage of the skin and what are commonly called skin fissures. In addition, the skin of the foot can often become calloused and this can contribute to the skin fissure formation since the calloused skin will more readily break in long fissures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a foot of a person suffering from skin fissures in his foot. These fissures are not only painful but also take time to heal. Traditionally people suffering from this condition have been advised to debride the skin surrounding the skin fissures and apply an ointment that can make the skin more resilient. The combination of the debridement and ointment or medicament will eventually cure the painful condition and restore the skin to its normal state.

The difficulty in curing skin fissures, however, is that people suffering from this condition often cannot easily reach their feet. Thus, for the same reason that the condition arose in the first place, it is also difficult to cure. Namely, the afflicted individual has difficulty reaching his or her foot and thus cannot apply the appropriate treatment on a repetitive basis.

In addition, many people find the treatment process messy and therefore avoid applying the lotion altogether.

Thus, there is a need for a treatment that allows a person to more readily address this painful physical condition.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a new footwear apparatus has been designed that allows an individual to address skin ailments on their feet simply by walking in the footwear. The footwear can cause debridement of the user's afflicted skin during walking as well as dispense the material used to make the skin more resilient.

Thus, in accordance with one embodiment, a footwear apparatus for treating skin of a human foot is provided. The apparatus can comprise a sole section configured for placement against a sole of a foot of a user during use; a heel section coupled with the sole section and configured for placement against the heel of the foot of the user during use; a reservoir configured for storing a material for use in treating skin of a human foot; and an abrasive surface coupled with the heel section and configured to debride skin of the heel of the user during use.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a footwear apparatus for treating skin of a human foot can comprise a base section configured for placement against a sole of a foot of a user during use; an insertable section configured for removable insertion in the base section; and a reservoir disposed in the insertable section and configured for storing a material for use in treating skin of a human foot.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for use in treating a human foot can comprise a reservoir storing a material for use in treating skin of a human foot; and an outer surface defining a shape configured for insertion in a piece of footwear.

Yet another embodiment of the invention allows a method of treating a foot using a footwear apparatus, wherein the method comprises providing a footwear apparatus; placing a foot into the footwear apparatus; debriding injured foot tissue with a surface of the footwear apparatus by walking in the footwear apparatus; dispensing a material from a reservoir within the footwear apparatus by walking in the footwear apparatus; and causing the dispensed material to contact the injured foot tissue by walking in the footwear apparatus.

Further embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein certain methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are illustrated. However, it is to be understood that this patent is not limited to the details recited but includes all such variations and modifications as fall within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims. This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts rather than to identify any key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a foot having calloused skin with foot fissures.

FIG. 2 illustrates a human foot showing anatomical regions of a normal foot.

FIG. 3A illustrates a therapeutic footwear device in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3B illustrates a sectional view of the device in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a therapeutic footwear device in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 5A illustrates a separable footwear device in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5B illustrates a removable heel section for use with the device in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a removable heel piece and the process of puncturing the bladder of a reservoir in the heel piece in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment having a removable insert in the front of the device and the heel of the device.

FIG. 7 illustrates an insert that can be placed in a shoe in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates an insert that can be placed in a shoe for treating the toe and ball of the foot areas of a person's foot, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, the ailment of foot fissures encountered by many individuals can be seen. FIG. 1 shows a human foot having very calloused skin 108. Fissures 104 are shown in the calloused skin extending along the sides and rear of this person's foot. The fissures typically develop in calloused skin in the heel area of the person. The condition often is caused when a user wears shoes that have no back heel section that can counteract the internal pressure of tissue being forced against the side wall of the user's skin. Moreover, calloused skin can often develop from shearing when the heel is not constrained and is free to move freely against the shoe. The combination of calloused skin and unrestrained internal pressure can result in skin fissures.

The condition is especially prevalent in people who are overweight. This is caused by the fact that they often wear shoes that have no portion encompassing the heel of the foot. The reason for this is that overweight people often have difficulty reaching their feet to put on shoes and find it easier to wear sandals or clogs.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the anatomical regions of a human foot can be identified for the sake of reference. The foot 200 shown in FIG. 2 is comprised of three regions. A fore foot region 208, a mid-foot region 212, and a heel region 216. The bottom of the human foot is often referred to as the sole of the foot. For purposes of this patent, the sole shall refer to portion 204 which includes the bottom of the user's foot but excluding the heel region. The bottom of the heel shall be used to refer to the bottom of the user's foot in the heel region. The skin of a human foot includes what is anatomically referred to as plantar skin and glabrous skin. The glabrous skin is the thinner skin found along the sides of a human foot and the plantar skin is the thicker and less resilient skin found below the glabrous skin and on the bottom of the foot. Glabrous skin is typically hairless. The glabrous skin is designated in FIG. 2 in the rear heel region as portion 224 and the plantar skin is identified as portion 220. Where these two skin regions meet is referred to as the margin 228 between the glabrous skin 224 and the plantar skin 220.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a footwear device for allowing a user to debride damaged skin and apply material to heal the damaged skin is shown. FIG. 3 shows a footwear device 300 that includes a sole section 304 and a heel section 308. For purposes of this patent, a heel section is intended to mean the section of the footwear that is placed against the user's foot, and which can include at least the portion that is placed against the bottom of the heel, either side of the heel, or the back of the heel. In this embodiment a sandal having a heel cup is shown. A reservoir 312 is disposed in the footwear device and can hold material such as an ointment for use in treating damaged skin. A reservoir is intended to mean anything that stores fluid. It can take the form of a multi-chambered material in addition to a single chamber material. In this example, the heel region of the device is shown as having a mildly abrasive surface 316. The abrasive surface is sufficiently abrasive so as to debride the calloused skin of the user's foot. The fit of the shoe is designed so that the user's foot can move relative to the mildly abrasive surface so as to create the debridement force. One type of material that can be utilized for the mildly abrasive surface is a pumice stone type of abrasive surface. A pumice stone is not only abrasive but also can store liquid, for example. However, alternative types of abrasive surfaces could be utilized. One such abrasive surface is plastic webbing having an uneven surface so as to create the debriding forces during use. Another example is a sanding sponge type of surface, such as the sanding sponge with 180 grit fine sanding surface sold under the name SandBlaster by 3M of St. Paul, Minn. and having a product identifier 30907-180. This type of sanding sponge is porous and is thus capable of storing medicament. When the sponge becomes wet, the medicament can be distributed through the pores of the material.

The material stored in the reservoir can include a keratolytic material for use in treating the skin. For example, it can include urea and/or ammonium lactate.

FIG. 3 shows reservoir 312 in the heel section of the footwear device. The reservoir includes pores 324 in the surface of the footwear device that allow stored material to be forced out and onto the user's foot. In one embodiment, the reservoir is disposed in the heel section of the footwear and the force of the user's heel striking the heel section during stepping forces the stored material through the pores and onto the surface of the user's foot. In addition, movement of the user's foot relative to the footwear causes the dispensed material to be spread on the user's heel and massaged into the user's skin. In this way, the dual goals of debriding skin and applying therapeutic materials to the debrided skin surface can be accomplished simply by walking in the therapeutic footwear. Moreover, the user can simply step into the footwear due to the low heel design. This overcomes the difficulties that many overweight people suffering from skin fissures face in that they find it difficult to reach their feet and thus difficult to put on shoes having a tight fit or high heel region. Similarly, they have difficulty putting on socks.

In the device shown in FIG. 3, however, the footwear device can easily be stepped into without needing to reach one's foot and the skin can be debrided simply by walking. And, the therapeutic material can be dispensed, spread, and massaged into the skin of the heel region without actually having to touch the material with one's hand. Thus, for those who do not like the messiness of applying the material, it can be avoided through the use of this embodiment.

The reservoir used in storing material can take a variety of forms. For example, FIG. 3 shows a refillable reservoir where the strap has a rubber plug 320 that can be removed to expose an opening to refill the reservoir with therapeutic material. A second strap not shown can be used to cover the plug. The reservoir can then be formed in the heel portion of the footwear such that the force exerted by the user's heel striking the bottom heel portion of the device forces stored material along the sides and out through the pores. Alternatively, the reservoir can be disposed higher in the shoe upper and the contact by the sides and rear of the heel during walking can force the material out through the pores. Or, a combination of reservoirs can be utilized at multiple locations on the footwear device.

The heel cup shown in FIG. 3 is illustrated to be a low heel cup that the user can easily step into. It is preferred that the heel cup extend at least as high as the margin between the plantar skin and the glabrous skin of the heel of the user.

FIG. 3B illustrates a sectional view of FIG. 3A. Reservoir 312 is shown underneath abrasive surface 316.

In addition to treating skin fissures in the heel section of the user's foot, one embodiment can alternatively treat skin maladies in the mid-sole or fore foot sections of a user's foot. For example, one could locate a reservoir of material for treating skin conditions in either the fore foot section of the footwear or mid-sole section of the footwear. In addition, a mildly abrasive surface could be included in these areas as needed. Thus, one might address corns or calluses on a user's foot in these areas.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment can be seen as device 400. Footwear 400 includes a sole section 404 configured for placement against the sole of a user's foot and heel section 408. Reservoir 412 is shown located in the rear of the apparatus and mildly abrasive surface 416 is again shown in the heel cup region. Pores 424 can be utilized to dispense material stored in the reservoir during walking.

FIG. 5A illustrates another embodiment. Device 500 is shown comprised of a base section 504 and an insertable section 508. The insertable section is shown as being able to interlock with the base section 504. Any number of interlocking mechanisms can be utilized, such as a plug formation or a clip formation, so as to engage the base section and insertable section for normal use by an individual. The example shown in FIG. 5A shows a reservoir 528 included as part of insertable section 508. The reservoir can be located having a top surface along the surface of the insertable section or disposed beneath the surface of the insertable section 508. In the latter example, the insertable section would need to include material that allows the material stored in the reservoir to migrate to the surface of the insertable section. The insertable section can be formed at least in part from a pumice material that can provide a mildly abrasive surface as well as a reservoir. Such pumice material has a slightly abrasive surface but is able to also store fluid, for example. Thus, it is envisioned that it would serve as a suitable reservoir for storing material such as a lotion or medication. Alternatively, the insertable section could be formed from a plastic webbing, such as that found in a “scrubee” sponge used for pot scrubbing. The reservoir could be disposed in the insertable section and could either be pre-filled with medication or filled by the user. The reservoir could also be sealed in some embodiments for later opening or piercing by the user.

FIG. 5B illustrates a second insertable section 512. This insertable section 512 is comprised of nonabrasive material and does not include a reservoir. Upon healing of the user's skin, this insertable section can replace insertable section 508. Alternatively, the two could be utilized in rotation so as to allow some debridement to occur but not to excess. Alternatively, section 508 could be configured purely as an abrasive surface and insertable section 512 could be configured purely as a reservoir with a smooth or nonabrasive surface. This would allow debridement to occur or application of a material to occur independent of the other.

So as to prevent material from leaking during shipment or evaporating during storage, the insertable section can be manufactured with a completely closed reservoir. This would apply to apparatus that was configured as an integrated piece of footwear such as FIGS. 3 and 4, as well. The reservoir could be configured with a completely closed bladder, for example. When the user is ready to utilize the material stored in the reservoir, the bladder 540 shown in FIG. 5C could be pierced with a sharp implement such as a knife 550, fork, ice pick, pencil, pen, or other sharp implement. Similarly, a peel off wrapper covering preformed pores along the surface of the reservoir could be removed so as to allow dispensing of the material stored in the reservoir.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of footwear apparatus. Apparatus 600 is shown having insertable sections. Insert 608 is shown having a reservoir 612 storing material for treating skin of a user's foot. The insert can be configured with an abrasive surface to accomplish the debriding noted earlier. A reservoir can be comprised of a bladder that is completely closed so as to prevent leakage of stored material until ready for use. The footwear 600 shown in FIG. 6 is shown with a base section 604. The insertable section 608 and 609 can be placed in the cavities in base section 604 so as to create secure engagement between the pieces. Insertable section 608 is configured for placement in the heel region of the base section whereas insertable section 609 is configured for placement in the fore foot or ball of the foot area of the base section. Similarly, while not shown, an insertable section could be placed in the toe or mid-sole regions.

FIG. 7 illustrates still another embodiment of a piece of footwear where an insert can be placed into an existing shoe. For example the insert 708 can be configured to fit within shoe 704, as shown by the arrow, similar to an orthotic. The insert can be configured with some of the features explained above. For example, it can include a raised heel cup portion 712 that is made from a pumice like material so as to provide sufficient abrasive forces in the heel region to debride calloused skin. Alternatively, another abrasive surface could be used. And, it could include a reservoir 716. The reservoir can be configured to be fillable or filled during manufacture. And, the material in the reservoir could be dispensed through holes 720 in the surface of the insert. The reservoir can be manufactured with a completely closed surface to prevent leakage. And, then the user can puncture the surface to allow the stored material to be dispensed. For example, a material such as is used in sand sponges could be used to provide the abrasive and storage features. If desired, a puncturable closed reservoir could be stored within such material and punctured prior to use. Similarly, it could be moistened prior to use to allow the stored material to be readily dispersed.

FIG. 8 shows an insert where an area for treating foot maladies is located in other parts of the foot. For example, an area 808 of the insert 804 can be used to treat the ball of the foot. One example of a malady that could be treated with such an insert is calluses in these regions. A reservoir for dispensing material could be configured in these areas as well.

It is also noted that many of the structures, materials, and acts recited herein can be recited as means for performing a function or step for performing a function. Therefore, it should be understood that such language is entitled to cover all such structures, materials, or acts disclosed within this specification and their equivalents, including any matter incorporated by reference.

It is thought that the apparatuses and methods of embodiments described herein will be understood from this specification. While the above description is a complete description of specific embodiments, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the patent as defined by the claims.

It will be understood that while embodiments have been described in conjunction with specific examples, the foregoing description and examples are intended to illustrate, but not limit the scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the claims pertain. The elements and use of the above-described embodiments can be rearranged and combined in manners other than specifically described above, with any and all permutations within the scope of the disclosure. 

1) A footwear apparatus for treating skin of a human foot, said apparatus comprising: a sole section configured for placement against a sole of a foot of a user during use; a heel section coupled with the sole section and configured for placement against the heel of the foot of the user during use; a reservoir configured for storing a material for use in treating skin of a human foot; an abrasive surface coupled with the heel section and configured to debride skin of the heel of the user during use. 2) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heel portion is configured to extend up the rear portion of the heel to about the margin between the plantar skin and the glabrous skin of the heel of the user. 3) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sole portion comprises openings for distributing the stored material during use. 4) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir comprises a completely closed bladder. 5) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is configured for opening to allow the stored material to be removed. 6) The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the bladder is configured to be pierced so as to allow the stored material to be removed. 7) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heel portion contacts the bottom and back of the heel of the user during use. 8) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the abrasive surface is configured to debride fissured skin of the user during use. 9) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sole section and the heel section are configured as an integrated piece. 10) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sole section and the heel section are removably coupled with one another. 11) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is disposed in the heel section. 12) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is disposed in the sole section. 13) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the abrasive surface is an integral portion of the heel section. 14) The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising a second abrasive surface, the second abrasive surface disposed on the sole section. 15) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the abrasive surface coupled with the heel section is configured to debride skin on the side of the heel during use. 16) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir configured for storing material for use in treating skin of a human foot stores ointment. 17) A footwear apparatus for treating skin of a human foot, said footwear apparatus comprising: a base section configured for placement against a sole of a foot of a user during use; an insertable section configured for removable insertion in the base section; a reservoir disposed in the insertable section and configured for storing a material for use in treating skin of a human foot. 18) The apparatus of claim 17 and further comprising an abrasive surface coupled with the insertable section and configured to debride skin of the heel of the user during use. 19) The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the insertable section is configured to extend up the rear portion of the heel of the user to about the margin between the plantar skin and the glabrous skin of the heel of the user. 20) The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the reservoir comprises a completely closed bladder. 21) The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the reservoir is configured for opening to allow stored material to be removed. 22) The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the base section is configured to receive the insertable section so that insertion of the insertable section in the base section disposes the insertable section proximate to the heel of the user during use. 23) The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the base section is configured to receive the insertable section so that insertion of the insertable section in the base section disposes the insertable section proximate to the ball of the foot of the user during use. 24) The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the reservoir is configured for storing ointment as the material for treating skin of a human foot. 25) An apparatus for use in treating a human foot, the apparatus comprising: a reservoir storing a material for use in treating skin of a human foot; an outer surface defining a shape configured for insertion in a piece of footwear. 26) The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the outer surface of the apparatus comprises an abrasive surface configured to debride skin of the foot of a user during use of the piece of footwear. 27) The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the reservoir comprises a completely closed bladder. 28) The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the reservoir is configured for opening so as to allow the material to be removed. 29) The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the reservoir is configured to be opened by piercing. 30) A method of treating a foot with a footwear apparatus, the method comprising: providing a footwear apparatus; placing a foot into the footwear apparatus; debriding injured foot tissue with a surface of the footwear apparatus by walking in the footwear apparatus; dispensing a material from a reservoir within the footwear apparatus by walking in the footwear apparatus; causing the dispensed material to contact the injured foot tissue by walking in the footwear apparatus. 31) The method as claimed in claim 30 and further comprising: opening the reservoir so as to allow the material to be dispensed. 32) The method as claimed in claim 31 wherein said opening comprises piercing a bladder so as to allow the material to be dispensed. 